KINGSTON, Tenn. - U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said today the ash pond spill here "should be a wake-up call for state and federal agencies" that oversee the way fly ash is disposed of at coal plants.

After touring by helicopter the site of the ash pond spill at the Kingston Steam Plant, Mr. Corker urged TVA to conduct another public meeting with local residents.

The Chattanooga Republican said TVA will be responsible for cleaning up the ash that spread over 302 acres north of the Kingston plant.

Mr. Corker said he hopes both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation remain here until TVA completes the cleanup and repair of its ash disposal facilities.